Thule 635 Sonic XL

XL model fits the OEM roof rails & crossbars (also purchased on Amazon) on a 2013 Mazda CX-9. Rear hatch opens with no contact. Sunroof also opens with no contact. Not heavy at all, but fairly bulky because it's so big, so I'd recommend two people for the install (me & the wife). You'll need a ladder or stepstool if you aren't close to 6'. Noise pretty unnoticeable for me under 60mph, over 60 it just sounds like its a little windy outside, and obviously the faster you go the more windy it'll sound. Much quieter than expected. Haven't had long enough to figure out the mpg impact, if any. It's pretty streamlined, so I imagine it won't have a big impact.**UPDATE**Took a 8 hour down / 8 hour back drive down south a few weeks ago. According to Fuelly, my MPG was totally untouched, so this guy is a go for MPG fans, too! Recommended!**UPDATE**I've had this for one year. Used it once one a trip to the beach, worked great. Now it's year two, get it out of my garage, get everything in it, and the front lid lifter broke. Lowering my review from 5 to 1 star pending a response to my email from Thule.**UPDATE**Thule reports that I need to take this to a local Thule dealer for them to inspect to see if it's a warranty-covered issue. It is, but I don't have a local Thule dealer. Looks like I'll have to wait until my next road trip in order to hope I drive by a local Thule dealer.....

For the price you pay for these things the plastic thickness and quality is so flimsy and seams cheap. I understand that the purpose is to make it lighter but there has to be a better compromise. We have had it barely over a year and hardly use it. The lid is already showing visible signs of cracks. The front hinge has busted so there is always a concern of it flying off. So far it locks ok so hopefully will stay put. I do like the locking system to secure to the vehicle rack but the knobs are so large and high that they take away storage space from items laying flat. The heaviest items we have had in the unit are folding chairs for camping. When it's not on the vehicle it is stored horizontally in overhead storage. Extremely disappointed in the quality that carries the Thule name. As of now, once this becomes completely unusable, will not be buying anything from them again.

I took a lot of researching on the web to find out about what was good/bad and would fit. There is a lot of unsubstantiated verbiage that only the reviews from places like Amazon helped so a big thanks on the other reviews. First, I wanted a box big enough to carry at least one bike (front tire off) and still carry skis with a good length for those taller folk. Add to this that my Jeep Patriot has only a small carrier footprint and needs rear hatch clearance. Put all of that together and you have a major stumbling block. Although Thule has a fitting "guide" and I stress "guide", it in no way guarantees hatch clearance. The back upturned style allowed me to move the box back 3" or 4" which just gave it enough room for the front clamps to reach the bar. No, Thule's minimum and maximum spacing doesn't really mean too much if you have to position your box in a certain position for hatch clearances especially on a short rack! My observations for my installation with this box are as follows:a) It actually fits (barely but none the less it is perfect)b) The reinforced bottom helps stiffen the front nose and on my car, the is a lot of that exposed - a good 1/3 of the bottom length)c) No noticeable wind or vibration noise up to 65 mph. I have no sunroof or drive with the windows down. Cannot say if a cheaper model would have done the same. I wish Thule would print some drag coefficient numbers as they claim it is "engineered" to be the lowest on the market.d) There is noticeable sideways pushing with a cross winde) There is some ribbing in the cover but it still seems wobbly when opening compared to a Yakima - Yakima may have better lift hinges too. Not a big issue with me though.f) Gas mileage? Will require a few tanks to see. Quiet should relate to low mileage loss. Many reviews say no noticeable drops which is what I hope for as a benefit since I had to buy the more upper end model. If there is no difference, I'd give it 5 starsg) I can never park in an underground parking lot again or my box will get torn right off if I forget it is still up there. Check your vehicle height! One suggestion was to type a string to the box where you can see it as a reminder that it is up there.March 12/2014 - Additional notes - I had to try a number of tankfuls at various times to make sure of the numbers. They are not good, at least the way it lets air flow around my Jeep Patriot. I got a reduction of 10% gas mileage and that was not the worst of the numbers. I cannot reposition the box either so I cannot test to see if some other position will improve the numbers. The box will have to come off until needed.On the other hand, not a drop of water on the inside through some very turbulent weather and it has been problem free and easy to use up to now.

I purchased my Thule Sonic 635 from HumblePower for just over $550 it was shipped free to my home.I have now used this cargo box for three major trips and a total of about 3,000 miles, and it has exceeded my expectations. We went through some very heavy rains for a long period of time, and it never leaked a drop. There is very little wind noise. In fact, you don't know it is up there unless you get a strong gust of wind from the side. I expected that I would see a decrease in gas mileage, but if so, the decrease was minimal.I have been using this cargo box on my Toyota Camry. It fits fine. It also is quite large. Given a "do over," I might order one size smaller. However, if I had the smaller size, I might wish I had this one -- I just don't know.Pros:Aerodynamic so that it is quieter and doesn't hurt gas mileage as clunky boxes.The system where it opens from both sides, and then stays open for loading and unloading.The ease of attaching it to the car.The secure locking system.Does not leak.It looks good -- doesn't really detract from the looks of the vehicle.It makes it possible for this family of 4 to do long trips in a relatively small vehicle.Cons:It seems a little big for my Camry.It seemed pricey when I purchased it -- at the very top end of what I was willing to pay. But I'm very happy with this box, and hope to have it for years to come.